Cosentyx - There might be hope for me yet...

[padrino]

Hello,

My name is Daniel and I started taking Cosentyx on 3/26/15.  I have tried Raptiva, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Stelara, and Soriatane (did not stay on too long because it severely chapped my lips) and the only thing that has ever worked for me was Raptiva (almost all clear with it) but that was pulled years ago.

I took my third set of shots last Thursday and am starting to see some results.  The plaque on my elbows, knees, and legs is less thick so it is starting to work.  I still have quite a ways to go but I am finally encouraged by a psoriasis treatment.  I have not suffered any side effects that I am aware of and think the injection pen is a lot better than other prior treatments; it doesn't hurt as much overall.  The first two weeks it was a little pinch and then nothing.  This past week it actually stung a bit more and left a small bump on each leg that went away the next day.  I don't know if that was due to the placement of the shots or something else, so I will have to see if that continues.

Overall I am cautiously optimistic that this might work.  Its been almost 6 years since I stopped taking Raptiva and started the merry-go-round of treatments that did not improve things (I know those help some people, just not me).  I look forward to the next couple months.

-Daniel

[jiml]

Hi Daniel a big to the club. I hope you have great success with your treatment, and look forward to reading of your success wth it.

[Fred]

Hello Daniel thank you for starting a thread about your journey, I'm sure your information will be of help to others.

Shame the others didn't work, fingers crossed this is the one. I noticed in this post I made [post=44218] that the starting dose is 300mg, I take it you took two of 150mg so maybe that was the reason for the small bumps. Something like Stelara is only 45mg so it may be worth trying to get it in slower, but then again you say it went down so at least it is under the skin and not spilled out.

Good luck, look forward to your updates.

[padrino]

Thanks for the welcome guys.  Fred, you are correct, I take two 150mg injections.  I actually inject one pen per leg, which is what I have been doing from week 1.  The first two weeks were fine, it was just this third week that stung more and caused a slightly tender bump on each leg.  I am taking it as prescribed and do not want to try changing the dosage.  Compared to the side effects that are listed and not experiencing them, I feel that I am doing well so far.

-Daniel

[jiml]

Great stuff Daniel, I'm glad you aren't experiencing side effects, I don't know how I would manage putting needles in myself, lets hope the next one won't sting as much and you see some good results.
I will follow with great interest

[Fred]

Thanks for the welcome guys.  Fred, you are correct, I take two 150mg injections.  I actually inject one pen per leg, which is what I have been doing from week 1.  The first two weeks were fine, it was just this third week that stung more and caused a slightly tender bump on each leg.  I am taking it as prescribed and do not want to try changing the dosage.  Compared to the side effects that are listed and not experiencing them, I feel that I am doing well so far.

-Daniel

Yep it's a minor thing to put up with, and the injections end up getting so much easier it becomes second nature.

As for the stinging although it's mild and soon over, have you taken it out of the fridge a while before using ?

Also injecting slowly helps, as can holding an ice pack on the injection site before doing your shot.

Just remembered you've tried all the others so probably know all this anyway.

@Jim "I don't know how I would manage putting needles in myself" You would be surprised how simple and pain free it is once you get used to it, and remember it's only under the skin.

[padrino]

Fred,

Thanks for the tips. I do take the medicine out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to use (I believe the directions recommend 15-30 minutes). I can't inject slowly as I am using the Sensoready pens. You can see them pictured here:

https://cosentyx.com/hcp/dosing-administration.jsp

You just wipe the area with an alcohol swab, let it dry, then push the uncapped pen into your leg. It takes care of the injecting and clicks when it is done. It takes a few seconds to fully inject. I inject one leg at a time.

I used to have to do a regular injection with Raptiva (needle and syringe) and got pretty good and making it relatively painless. I don't like needles either so I think this pen is easier overall.

-Daniel

[Fred]

Thank you for that Daniel I'll put the image in this post, I don't think they will mind us hotlinking to it.

[Kat]

Welcome Daniel!

Hope Cosentyx is the one that works for you! Look forward to hearing about your treatments.

[padrino]

I took my fourth treatment last Thursday (4/16/15) and it went better than the week prior. It did not sting as much nor did a notice any bumps on my legs afterwards (there was one for a short time on one leg but that went away that night). The plaque on my knees and legs are less thick then they have been and my elbows are clearer in most spots (there is still some plaque around the edges but it is less thick as well).

My fifth treatment will be in a few days which will start the once a month dosing schedule. I am very curious to see if I will continue to improve going several weeks between treatments. I wasn't sure what to realistically expect other than to see an improvement. I am by no means clear on my legs or knees (or really even on my elbows) but I do see a noticeable difference than when I started.

It is still very apparent that I have psoriasis but I also have a little hope now. We'll see how the next month goes.

-Daniel